Tidings of Comfort & Joy 2: Small Group Discussion Guide

Summary
This sermon explores the responses of Mary and Zechariah to the angelic announcements of Jesus' birth, focusing on their songs of praise - Mary's Magnificat and Zechariah's prophecy. The pastor emphasizes how both individuals felt the weight of this world and recognized their need for a Savior-King. Despite their humble circumstances, they possessed deep knowledge of God's Word, which enabled them to trust in God's extraordinary promises. Their responses demonstrate that knowing God's Word makes it easier to trust Him, and trusting God makes obedience not only possible but anticipated. The sermon connects their anticipation of Christ's first advent to our anticipation of His second coming, when all conflicts will be resolved and the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Just as Mary and Zechariah were receptive to Your extraordinary work in their lives, help us to be open to how You want to work in and through us today. Give us humble hearts that recognize our need for You, and help us to trust in Your promises even when they seem impossible. Holy Spirit, speak to us through this time of discussion and draw us closer to Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What's your favorite Christmas carol or hymn, and can you remember more than just the first verse and opening line of the second verse?

Key Verses

• Luke 1:46-55
• Luke 1:67-79
• Isaiah 11:1-9

Questions

• Mary's song contains about 43 Old Testament references, showing her deep knowledge of Scripture. How does knowing God's Word help us trust Him in difficult or extraordinary circumstances?
• The pastor noted that Mary believed extraordinary things not because she was ignorant, but because she knew her God so well. How does this challenge common misconceptions about faith and reason?
• Both Mary and Zechariah felt 'the weight of this world' before receiving God's promises. What does it mean to feel the weight of this world, and how does this prepare us to receive God's work in our lives?
• Mary responded to the angel's announcement with obedience and joy, saying 'let it be done.' What makes this kind of surrendered obedience possible in our own lives?
• Zechariah speaks of serving God 'without fear in holiness and righteousness.' What does it mean to serve God without fear, and how does Christ's coming make this possible?
• The sermon mentions that 'the right kind of humility before God is always an open door to his work.' How does pride become a barrier between us and Jesus Christ?
• Isaiah 11 describes a future where natural enemies (wolves and lambs, cobras and children) will coexist peacefully. What conflicts in our world today make us long for Christ's return?
• Both Mary and Zechariah connected God's current work to His ancient promises. How can remembering God's faithfulness in the past strengthen our faith for present challenges?

Life Application
This week, spend time reading and meditating on God's promises in Scripture, particularly those related to His faithfulness and provision. Choose one area where you're struggling to trust God, and like Mary, practice saying 'let it be done' - surrendering that concern to Him in obedience and faith. Also, look for opportunities to encourage someone else who may be feeling 'the weight of this world' by sharing God's promises with them.

Key Takeaways

• God's people feel the weight of this world and know we need the King to restore all things
• The better you know the Word of God, the easier it will be to trust Him
• Trust in God makes obedience not only possible but something we anticipate doing
• The right kind of humility before God is always an open door to His work, while pride is always a barrier
• Just as Christ came in His first advent, He will surely come again in His second advent

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Mary and Zechariah, who knew You so well that they could trust You with the impossible. Help us to grow in our knowledge of Your Word so that our trust in You will deepen. When we feel the weight of this world, remind us that You are the King who will restore all things. Give us hearts that are humble and obedient, ready to say 'let it be done' when You call us to trust You in difficult circumstances. As we celebrate Your first coming this Christmas season, fill us with anticipation for Your second coming when all conflicts will cease and Your knowledge will cover the earth. Until that day, help us to serve You without fear in holiness and righteousness. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.